SyntaxBomb - Indie Coders

General Category => Worklogs => Topic started by: MrmediamanX on January 29, 2019, 19:42:22

Title: Arc of valtana 8-bit wars [code a game competition 8]
Post by: MrmediamanX on January 29, 2019, 19:42:22
Title: Arc of valtana.
8bit System: Commodore64
Tools: Blitz3d,Fragmotion,paint.net,MS paint,SpritePad,Beepbox.
EXTRAS: NONE
Platform:windows
LINK: https://mrmediamanx.itch.io/arc-of-valtana

Controls:
MOVE:A,D
BLOCK: S
ATTACK/FIRE 1: E
JUMP/FIRE 2: SPACEBAR
ENTER_DOOR: W
AT THE MAIN MENU PRESS [F1] TO RECONFIGURE KEY BINDINGS.

;--------------------------------------;
STORY
;--------------------------------------;
While at a local Xerra's Tavern, our hero Valtana is celebrating another well deserved victory with only
the finest of ale's ... till a hooded stranger whispers with a light tone well passing by ...
"you the great knight, the proud warrior, the stoic fighter,the cunning elf"
... "only you can take on such a monumental task of this undertaking" ...
just as the stranger leaves she turn's back to Valtana making eye contact and
whispers ... "come find me if you are willing to heed my call"...."i'll be waiting for you brave elf ... Valtana".

Far to drunk to proceed Valtana retires at a local inn. upon waking he remembers though vaguely of the
stranger from the night before.
"who was that girl from last night" he ponders ...
"wait I recall her saying something about a job maybe?"
"out of the frying pan into the fire so to speak"... he states with such enthusiasm.
With a new found vigour and energy, he proceeds to seek her out and gather the information
needed for his new quest.
and so the Arc of Valtana's story begin's.
;--------------------------------------;
The game will be a 2d adventure/rpg-ish platformer with action elements similar to wonder boy in monsterland/dragons trap.
The chosen 8bit system im rolling with is the commodore 64 due to familiarity.
;--------------------------------------;
Dev Changes:
*Cheat passwords are now located in hidden doors within each level ... always on a flat surface but may require jumping.
*2 Endings.
*Title screen redone/simplified to fit the C64 theme.
;--------------------------------------;
Title: Re: Arc of valtana 8-bit wars [code a game competition 8]
Post by: Matty on January 30, 2019, 22:46:27
I like the look of this..might be one I'd play even though I'm not entering the comp.
Title: Re: Arc of valtana 8-bit wars [code a game competition 8]
Post by: MrmediamanX on February 02, 2019, 08:58:13
Currently reworking all current sprites to fit with in the sprite 4 color limit.
I'll be adding a [PC mode] which has the game running at 35-ish fps as opposed to the default [C64 mode] which run's at around 20 to 25-ish FPS, along with that i'll be adding a password screen to keep in theme with old skool ness-ness, so no saving unfortunately.
If I have enough time I'll also add high color sprite's for the [PC mode] as the game's total size is a minor 2.4MB with everything in it optimized to hell and back ... thank goodness for low bit rate audio and tiny sprite sheets.

most of the core stuff is done, just needing to do a bit of R&D[research and development]
here's a few extra art bits from the current state of progress.

Title: Re: Arc of valtana 8-bit wars [code a game competition 8]
Post by: MrmediamanX on February 04, 2019, 05:45:55
finally got around to adding the title,shop and password screens. I've added a few cheat password's which will be located on scrolls hidden about the level.

next up is the actual story and music theme's. so far I've done 2 track's using a single channel method for the limited tech feel.
the other 2 channels are used for sounds in some case's cut each other out if the play back exceeds 3 sfx playing at once.
Title: Re: Arc of valtana 8-bit wars [code a game competition 8]
Post by: Xerra on February 04, 2019, 07:07:06
Sounds like you're almost finished already! You've still got 8 weeks, right? :)

I was going to question the colours being from the base palette only as the images look so good but, on close inspection, I need to just be quiet, as it just looks like it can't be only 16 colours. Well done.
Title: Re: Arc of valtana 8-bit wars [code a game competition 8]
Post by: MrmediamanX on February 04, 2019, 08:18:53
Quote from: Xerra on February 04, 2019, 07:07:06
Sounds like you're almost finished already! You've still got 8 weeks, right? :)

I was going to question the colours being from the base palette only as the images look so good but, on close inspection, I need to just be quiet, as it just looks like it can't be only 16 colours. Well done.

Thanks man, just as we speak i've added the rest of the shops and characters,sorted out the story,added a few extra enemies and bosses,built 10 area's, going for 15 in total ... 20 if i'm lucky,composed the shop/dungeon/castle/ending themes, tweaked a lot of the older sprite work .... i'm pretty sure i'm missing something.

The first screen shot used a test high color place holder palette replaced in the latter screen.
Hey if it's cool would it be ok to cameo you as one of the shop owners? ... most likely the alcohol shop.

Totally true, my work flow and pipeline are all sorts of OCD level's of organised.   
Title: Re: Arc of valtana 8-bit wars [code a game competition 8]
Post by: Xerra on February 04, 2019, 16:58:26
Quote from: MrmediamanX on February 04, 2019, 08:18:53
Hey if it's cool would it be ok to camio you as one of the shop owners? ... most likely the alcohol shop.

Alcohol shop! FUCK YEAH! Just make sure there's some Carlsberg cans in the picture :-)
Title: Re: Arc of valtana 8-bit wars [code a game competition 8]
Post by: MrmediamanX on February 05, 2019, 11:31:43
Done-skee ... I went with the splash screen method which can utilize more then 4 color's just to add detail. ;)
pixels may be a little off.
Title: Re: Arc of valtana 8-bit wars [code a game competition 8]
Post by: Derron on February 05, 2019, 11:40:12
slash screen method?

So you mean you draw two images - one a bit offset to the other resulting in more colors?
For now it looks as if you pasted different "styles" (2px-wide and 1px-wide) sprites (bricks vs vendor/cans).


Vendor dude looks trustworthy - would by any "X" labeled bottle from him ;-)

bye
Ron
Title: Re: Arc of valtana 8-bit wars [code a game competition 8]
Post by: MrmediamanX on February 05, 2019, 12:06:05
Quote from: Derron on February 05, 2019, 11:40:12
slash screen method?

So you mean you draw two images - one a bit offset to the other resulting in more colors?
For now it looks as if you pasted different "styles" (2px-wide and 1px-wide) sprites (bricks vs vendor/cans).


Vendor dude looks trustworthy - would by any "X" labeled bottle from him ;-)

more or less ... just multi layered ... akin to the usual C64 demo scene art.

Sprite pad+ is all sort's of finicky ... I'll still need go through some of the sprite work, I think i'll just use MS paint,less hassle.
SP+ either half size's or not depending on the quantity of sprites drawn....squashing em basically for some weird reason.

...Yep,the X refers Xerra's beer and brew label.   

Title: Re: Arc of valtana 8-bit wars [code a game competition 8]
Post by: Xerra on February 05, 2019, 16:48:11
Quote from: MrmediamanX on February 05, 2019, 11:31:43
Done-skee ... I went with the slash screen method which can utilize more that 4 color's just to add detail. ;)
pixels may be a little off.

I love it :-)
Title: Re: Arc of valtana 8-bit wars [code a game competition 8]
Post by: 3DzForMe on February 09, 2019, 07:36:42
QuoteAlcohol shop! FUCK YEAH! Just make sure there's some Carlsberg cans in the picture :-)

Get some HobGoblin in and I'll visit the booze shoppe :))
Title: Re: Arc of valtana 8-bit wars [code a game competition 8]
Post by: MrmediamanX on February 15, 2019, 13:49:02
Reworked a few things, weapons and shields have degradation now due to each one having a perk applied to it.
example:
The steel sword increase's attack to OP standards, while the steel shield defects enemy shots.
The gold sword cause's coin drop when attacking an enemy, while the gold shield cause coin drop for blocking an enemy shot.
The green sword allows for player projectiles, while the green shield blocks and also shoots projectiles.
The Blue sword will either shoot a blue projectile which will seek out and collect hidden gold or act as a clear screen attack, while the blue Shield will show all hidden gold within the screen while blocking and maybe refill health for each enemy shot that's blocked. 
all weapons revert back to the default bronze[looks like wood] sword and shield once depleted. 

The X bottle also acts as an extra life ... limited only to 1, but auto refills health to max upon "technical" death. preventing the player from returning to the check point and losing gold in the process.

Iv'e actually got nothing to do now, so i'm just tweaking things until go time.

Title: Re: Arc of valtana 8-bit wars [code a game competition 8]
Post by: Qube on February 15, 2019, 15:02:54
Looking great :)
Title: Re: Arc of valtana 8-bit wars [code a game competition 8]
Post by: MrmediamanX on February 15, 2019, 15:13:40
Quote from: Qube on February 15, 2019, 15:02:54
Looking great :)

Thanks man ... hopefully the colors are ok, it's the only thing I keep racking my brain on to "insane" degrees.
It just looks to colorful for what it should look like, even though the sprite's use 4 colors and your c64 pallet.
unless I cut the colors down to 2 or 3 per sprite or something ... it'll be a ton of work, which I think I don't have time for.
Title: Re: Arc of valtana 8-bit wars [code a game competition 8]
Post by: Steve Elliott on February 15, 2019, 15:23:57
Nice work.   :D
Title: Re: Arc of valtana 8-bit wars [code a game competition 8]
Post by: MrmediamanX on February 15, 2019, 15:50:56
Quote from: Steve Elliott on February 15, 2019, 15:23:57
Nice work.   :D

props man, this comp has been one heck of learning experience thus far.
Title: Re: Arc of valtana 8-bit wars [code a game competition 8]
Post by: jonza on February 20, 2019, 20:16:56
Quote from: MrmediamanX on February 15, 2019, 15:13:40
Quote from: Qube on February 15, 2019, 15:02:54
Looking great :)

Thanks man ... hopefully the colors are ok, it's the only thing I keep racking my brain on to "insane" degrees.
It just looks to colorful for what it should look like, even though the sprite's use 4 colors and your c64 pallet.
unless I cut the colors down to 2 or 3 per sprite or something ... it'll be a ton of work, which I think I don't have time for.

Looks great!

Colourwise you could almost pull this of on a real c64. You would probably run out of sprites to layer thought.

c64 sprites has 2 global colours that are same for all sprites, and one custom colour that is unique for all 8 sprites. Fourth "colour" is transparency. Multicolour characters have three global colours, that can be different from the global sprite colours. Multicolour chars can only use first 8 colours for their custom colour, so you probably need to sacrafice black from your more complicated backgrounds in order to get both browns (8 & 9) and both greens (6 & 13). You could still do black, but only in places with no brown or light green. but not around dark green.

Giana sisters layered three sprites to make 6 coloured Giana. Sprites had both reds globally. 1 sprite added yellow, second blue. Third one was a white hi-res sprite that masked the level background to make eyeballs and feet more detailed and was offset to make her a bit taller. Her eyes change colour depending on the level. Global character colours depended on the level.

(https://www.c64-wiki.com/wiki/File:thegreatgianasisterbonus.png)

That scene is already using 6 of the 8 sprites (2 multicolour & 4 hi-res), Multicolour characters (all the red stuff), and four hi-res characters for the diamonds.

Edit: This scene: https://www.c64-wiki.com/wiki/File:thegreatgianasisterbonus.png
Title: Re: Arc of valtana 8-bit wars [code a game competition 8]
Post by: MrmediamanX on February 20, 2019, 21:17:49
Thanks man ... I had feeling something was off even after a bit R&D. upon converting my character sprite, I started noticing how the few colors used for each of the certain sprite's were shared.

I began noticing the problem when working on the shield sprites ... but just managed to pull it off some how.
it's just a matter of testing out the theory...not sure how I plan on doing that just yet.
I'm currently using sprite pad+ to convert as many sprites as I can.
Title: Re: Arc of valtana 8-bit wars [code a game competition 8]
Post by: Steve Elliott on February 20, 2019, 21:32:56
Looks very authentic, don't worry and move on with gameplay.   :)
Title: Re: Arc of valtana 8-bit wars [code a game competition 8]
Post by: MrmediamanX on February 26, 2019, 01:54:10
Im done ... the game is done ... my pants are done, it's as done as done :D
There's not really a whole lot to show, just a few screen's and an additional little project unrelated to this game. 8)
Title: Re: Arc of valtana 8-bit wars [code a game competition 8]
Post by: Qube on February 26, 2019, 02:07:23
Quote from: MrmediamanX on February 26, 2019, 01:54:10
Im done ... the game is done ... my pants are done, it's as done as done :D
There's not really a whole lot to show, just a few screen's and an additional little project unrelated to this game. 8)
Your comp entry is finished? :o already? :o - Cool, so 4 weeks to tweak and add more to make it even more special ;D
Title: Re: Arc of valtana 8-bit wars [code a game competition 8]
Post by: blinkok on February 26, 2019, 02:17:09
Those are some stunning screens shots! Great art work!
Title: Re: Arc of valtana 8-bit wars [code a game competition 8]
Post by: Qube on February 26, 2019, 03:04:53
Quote from: blinkok on February 26, 2019, 02:17:09
Those are some stunning screens shots! Great art work!
They all look pretty cool don't they. Great art work and very C64 looking.

Kinda funny for bringing back memories as the character in the 1st screenshot reminds me a bit of the girl from Gem'X on the Amiga, the 2nd one PopEye's enemy Bluto and the 3rd character is like one from Shuffle Puck Cafe :P
Title: Re: Arc of valtana 8-bit wars [code a game competition 8]
Post by: MrmediamanX on February 26, 2019, 03:10:52
QuoteKinda funny for bringing back memories as the character in the 1st screenshot reminds me a bit of the girl from Gem'X on the Amiga, the 2nd one PopEye's enemy Bluto and the 3rd character is like one from Shuffle Puck Cafe :P

totally, I wanted to throw a few references in there ... heck even the last boss fight music use's moonlight sonata ... a throw back to jet set willy. :D

just added a 2nd ending because heck why not.
still on the fence about adding additional que's/prompts [example] I still have an unused Up arrow prompt for doors, just incase no one reads the manual. adding something like that in could make it easier to pickup and play at the expense of nostalgia/overall classic feel.   
Title: Re: Arc of valtana 8-bit wars [code a game competition 8]
Post by: Derron on February 26, 2019, 06:59:22
Very nice character art.

Hope gameplay deserves such good sprites :-)


bye
Ron
Title: Re: Arc of valtana 8-bit wars [code a game competition 8]
Post by: Xerra on February 26, 2019, 07:04:16
Done?  :o

Already?  :o

Holy crap, I'm around 25% away from half done, I reckon! Wish I could put a game together this quick..

Artwork looks fantastic so looking forward to having a play. Especially seeing my tribute character in there somewhere ;-)
Title: Re: Arc of valtana 8-bit wars [code a game competition 8]
Post by: craigd on March 15, 2019, 13:48:36
Some great pixelling right there. Love it!
Title: Re: Arc of valtana 8-bit wars [code a game competition 8]
Post by: 3DzForMe on March 16, 2019, 09:41:21
Done, jeez, My Devs creeping along, then again I didn't factor in time for a makeshift man cave to code in!

We'll done on completion! :P
Title: Re: Arc of valtana 8-bit wars [code a game competition 8]
Post by: MrmediamanX on March 26, 2019, 12:57:10
Its go time folks ..... for me at leased  :D
if you come across any bugs/glitches/issues just sound off and i'll do what I can fix em ... cool. 8)   
download link can be found in the first post.
Title: Re: Arc of valtana 8-bit wars [code a game competition 8]
Post by: round157 on March 27, 2019, 13:24:21
Hello.....

I want to play your game but I have no time.

I may download, try and play your game at this weekend.

By the way, I have read your post and I agree with you, yes!

"I decided to upload now in order to give me more time for feedback and fixes if any are required."

Title: Re: Arc of valtana 8-bit wars [code a game competition 8]
Post by: Steve Elliott on March 28, 2019, 09:27:02
Congrats.  Downloading...   :D
Title: Re: Arc of valtana 8-bit wars [code a game competition 8]
Post by: MrmediamanX on March 28, 2019, 09:32:50
QuoteCongrats.  Downloading...   :D

Thanks man. to make it easier when writing down passwords use this number format .... just in case.
;PASSCODES/use down/ key
0=SUN, 1=MOON, 2=STAR, 3=WAVE, 4=SHIELD, 5=SWORD
Title: Re: Arc of valtana 8-bit wars [code a game competition 8]
Post by: round157 on April 01, 2019, 09:12:44
Hello,

Today I have time. Thus I have played your finished entry.

Is the game the best game among the 11 entries? I don't know. I still need to play some games in the next few days. This competition entry is okay. The gameplay is not too complicated for players. Actually, I am not a skilful gamer. I like uncomplicated gameplay! This entry is a nice try and it has solid potential.

If you continue to improve Arc of Valtana after this competition, I believe that your game may become a popular game outside SytaxBomb community.

At last, I hope that you will develop many fascinating entries in the future SyntaxBomb competitions!
Title: Re: Arc of valtana 8-bit wars [code a game competition 8]
Post by: MrmediamanX on April 01, 2019, 09:28:31
QuoteToday I have time. Thus I have played your finished entry.

Thanks man  :)

QuoteIf you continue to improve Arc of Valtana after this competition, I believe that your game may become a popular game outside SytaxBomb community.

i'll most likely take what I learnt and put it into my next project: Who was evin rest?
https://www.syntaxbomb.com/index.php/topic,5337.0.html
Title: Re: Arc of valtana 8-bit wars [code a game competition 8]
Post by: Imerion on April 12, 2019, 00:16:22
Neat, this reminded me of Wonderboy in Monsterworld, one of my all-time favorite games! I'd really like to see this being worked on more as I  appreciate this type of adventure/platformer. :) Those shop screens were really nice btw, and I like the password system - using symbols was a nice classic touch. This also seems to work well with WINE.
Title: Re: Arc of valtana 8-bit wars [code a game competition 8]
Post by: MrmediamanX on April 12, 2019, 13:34:30
thanks man, since the comp is done I can drop all the passwords, cheats included. :)
;------------------------------------;
;PASSCODES/use down/block key
;0=SUN, 1=MOON, 2=STAR, 3=WAVE, 4=SHIELD, 5=SWORD
;------------------------------------;
;LEVEL_CODES
10405;LVL_1
33002;LVL_2
41512;LVL_4
53510;LVL_5
30354;LVL_6
02040;LVL_9
21001;LVL_11
52151;LVL_13
;------------------------------------;
;CHEAT_CODES
42245;PC_MODE
12455;RAINBOW_SWORD
54522;INF_METAL_SWORD
54511;INF_GOLD_SWORD
54533;INF_GREEN_SWORD
54500;INF_BLUE_SWORD
45422;INF_METAL_SHIELD
45411;INF_GOLD_SHIELD
45433;INF_GREEN_SHIELD
45400;INF_BLUE_SHIELD
45455;RAINBOW_SHIELD
22222;UPSIDEDOWN_MODE
33333;jUMBO_MODE
44444;INF_GOLD
55555:;INVINCIBLE
;------------------------------------;
Title: Re: Arc of valtana 8-bit wars [code a game competition 8]
Post by: Xerra on April 12, 2019, 16:58:20
Wow, gone are the days of simple cheat modes where you typed something on the title screen for infinite lives and that was your lot....

BTW guys, type TRIONA on the Rockman title screen for infinite lives  :D ;D :D :))
Title: Re: Arc of valtana 8-bit wars [code a game competition 8]
Post by: MrmediamanX on April 12, 2019, 18:16:58
QuoteWow, gone are the days of simple cheat modes where you typed something on the title screen for infinite lives

true, a few of my games use cheats or cheat codes, secret modes given after completion ... now the AAA game companies assign them as season pass perks,microtransactions or DLC, I'll never go the way of the dark side.

oddly enough the stories endings of this game are told as a sort of a reflection on gaming of the old days or the unwanted  forced changes of gaming today as a whole ... depending on which ending you choose.